Republicans need real election solutions, not conspiracy theories

As former elected leaders of Arizona and Georgia, battleground states that will be pivotal in Tuesday's election, we know firsthand what voters are looking for in their elected officials. They want leaders who focus on the issues that matter most to their lives — strengthening the economy, securing the border and improving healthcare.

Yet, too often, we see some fellow Republicans prioritizing unfounded claims about election security over the real, pressing issues that affect everyday Americans.

The 2024 presidential election will be one of the closest in our nation’s history, especially in swing states such as Arizona and Georgia. We have spoken to countless Republicans and GOP-leaning independents. Unfortunately, very few of them have expressed supreme confidence that their votes will be accurately counted this November.

As conservatives, we must acknowledge these concerns while also upholding the integrity of our democratic institutions. That is why we are joining together to engage in constructive dialogue and take concrete steps to address legitimate issues or discrepancies in the electoral process. We must do so, however, without undermining confidence in the democratic process itself.

So, let’s be clear: Disinformation from partisans and even foreign adversaries will very likely be rampant in the weeks ahead, so election integrity is crucial. Every American should have confidence in the fairness and transparency of our electoral process.

To dwell continually on debunked theories and relitigate past elections does nothing to move our country forward. Instead, it distracts from the very real challenges that our citizens face daily.

We urge our fellow Republicans — candidates, activists and elected officials alike — to focus on the policies that will improve the lives of the American people.

The polls make it clear voters are concerned about the burdensome cost of living and the devastating impact of illegal immigration policies across America. They want solutions that will protect our borders, bring relief to family budgets and sustain economic growth. These are the issues and solutions that should be at the forefront of our political discourse as opposed to eleventh-hour election rule changes that carry the potential to sow confusion and cost taxpayers more money.

Republicans don’t have a monopoly on election doubts or conspiracy theories. Pro-democracy advocates on the left have work to do inside their own tent. Some progressives believe commonsense acts in Arizona and Georgia, like proof of identity in voting, constitute a form of voter suppression. Even Stacey Abrams (D) went on CNN this summer and denied that she repeatedly described the legitimate 2018 election in Georgia as “rigged” and “stolen.”

None of this, however, absolves us of the work we must do on our side of the aisle. That’s why we have lent our name and leadership to RightCount, an entity that is committed to restoring trust in our elections.

The 2024 election is not just about winning an office; it’s about setting a course for our nation’s future. We must show voters we are the party of ideas and solutions, not distractions and division.

We need to build on the successes of Republican-led states, where lower taxes, fewer regulations and fiscal responsibility have led to greater prosperity. And we need to offer a vision for America’s future — one that brings people together rather than tearing them apart.

The American people, and notably swing voters, are looking for leaders who are serious about governing, understand the challenges they face and are willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work. They want leaders who will fight for their interests, not for personal or partisan gain. If we, as Republicans, can rise to this challenge, we will not only win elections — we will win the trust and respect of the American people.

In the remaining days of this campaign, let’s leave the election falsehoods behind and focus on what truly matters: making life better for all Americans. The future prosperity and security our nation depend on it.

Jan Brewer is the former governor of Arizona (2009-2015) and Eric Johnson is the former president pro tempore of the Georgia State Senate (2003-2010).